Vote Explanations for the Week of July 4th

Here is a rundown of important bills considered by the House last week:

H.R. 1270 — Restoring Access to Medication Act — This bill increases the maximum contribution an individual or couple can make to their health savings account (HSA), which allows individuals to save money tax-free for medical expenses. While the policy proposed in this is legislation is well intentioned and I believe giving Americans every chance to help prepare for unexpected medical expenses, the bill’s price tag is $25 billion and I do not agree with how the legislation proposed to pay for this cost. This bill would require individuals and families already living below the poverty line to pay more for social services like Medicaid. This is not good policy and I do not think we should ask those in our country already struggling to make ends meet to pick up more of the bill. I voted against this legislation, which passed the House. The President indicated he would veto the bill.

H.R. 4361 — Federal Information Systems Safeguards Act — This legislation combines several bills that aim to hold federal employees more accountable for any wrongdoing they commit. I believe all employees, especially those in a position of public trust, should be held to the highest professional standard. However, this bill is not a realistic proposal to addressing the issue of bad actors within the federal government because it completely removes even the most basic protections for employees. If Congress wants to reform current labor law then we should have a legitimate debate. I believe there is a middle ground that can hold workers accountable without stripping them of their rights. I voted against this bill, which passed the House. The President indicated he would veto the bill.

H.R. 5485 — FY 2017 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations — This bill would provide over $21 billion in funding for government agencies such as the IRS, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Communications Commission, among others. However, the bill is filled with many objectionable amendments that I could not support. I voted against the bill which passed the House.